3 Best Hotels in Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, and Brentwood, Los Angeles

The Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island are within view at Terranea, L.A.'s only full-service oceanfront resort straddling 102 terraced acres at land's end on the scenic Palos Verdes Peninsula. Its location gives it the feel of a retreat. A fun pool slide, children's center, and kids' programs allow the youngsters to play, while giving parents time to relax. Walk to the rocky beach, chill out at the extravagant spa, or unwind beside an adults-only pool. There is also a par-3, 9-hole golf course on-site. Every room has a balcony for taking in the splendid location. There's an understated beach vibe to the Spanish Revival architecture and decor, which includes red-tile roofs, wrought iron, and substantial wood furniture. Beds are pillow-topped and have fine Egyptian cotton sheets. Bathrooms are spacious and deluxe. Splurge on a villa or casita if you want more privacy and space. Dining ranges from upscale California cuisine at catalina kitchen, Asian fusion at bashi and gastropub fare at Nelson's (which has amazing views and sunsets) to high-end dining at the signature restaurant, Mar'sel, as well as a selection of more casual options.

Set right on the sand, this Cape Cod--inspired inn has become synonymous with staycations, with the beachfront location and show-house decor making it one of SoCal's most popular luxury hotels. There are three dreamy dining and entertaining options: The flagship 1 Pico restaurant has launched a refreshed menu under Chef Sean Runyon; come for the blue fin toro steak and stay for the salted caramel popcorn sundae. Prefer something more casual? The Living Room has couches, live entertainment, and spectacular sunset views. Or you can dine beachside at Coast and watch the world go by. The cozy lobby evokes a New England getaway, with a fireplace and tall windows opening out to the Pacific Ocean. Guest rooms have those namesake shutter doors, pillow-top mattresses, small balconies, and built-in cabinets filled with art books and curios. Bathrooms are luxe, each with a deep whirlpool tub, a raft of bath goodies, and a three-nozzle, glass-walled shower. But if you want a more immersive experience, there's also the ONE spa and fitness center. Check out the picture-perfect cabanas in the ocean-view pool area. A $55 daily resort fee includes a welcome drink, daily yoga on the beach, bicycle rentals, a beach concierge, a house car, and more.

Walk to the ocean side of the soaring atrium at this family- and pet-friendly hotel (formerly the Loews) and you feel like you're on a cruise ship: massive windows give way to the expansive sea below, and sunny "experience managers" are just a text away. All rooms are a minimum of 720 square feet and offer soaking tubs and rain showers, marble counters, and walk-in closets. Rooms come with a complimentary "refreshment center" stocked with drinks and snacks (you can even choose what you want before you arrive). Higher rooms have arched ceilings with side skylights. The state-of-the-art fitness center is joined by the West Coast's only Guerlain spa for true L.A.-grade training and primping. The experience managers are joined by beach butlers to plan out and enhance your stay. Meet friends in the clubby lobby, take in the ocean views over fresh Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare at the dreamy Orla by celebrity chef Michael Mina, or enjoy tableside cocktails at the Orla Bar. If you're seeking something simpler, try Sweet July Cafe (featuring another hot chef collab with Ayesha Curry) for warm drinks, pastries, and other quick bites. Kids and pets go first-class at the Regent, with loaner gear, amenity kits, and special activities.